Back the Blue rally held in South Philly

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) A Back the Blue rally was held in South Philadelphia on Monday night.

"We need them."

Diane Powles is paying tribute to police officers from head to toe. She’s one of dozens how out for a "Back The Blue" rally in South Philly Monday evening.

"I'm honored to stand with the police and people who want police in our city to keep our city streets clean and safe," said Powles.

The crowd gathered at Marconi Plaza at 15th and Oregon with snacks, drinks and a deejay. Most waved flags and held signs in support of police.

"I want to support the Philadelphia Police officers and all officers because without them the streets would be a horrible place," said Marie Maturo.

The event was organized by a group called "Taking Our South Philadelphia Streets Back".

"We would like to thank the Philadelphia police for honoring protecting and serving our community in these trying times," said Carol Lanni as the crowd applauded. She’s the founder of the group.

"I think morale is down and I think I needed to see the police's moral lifted. We had to do something for them so they can feel appreciated," she said.

A small group of peaceful protestors showed up holding signs. But things became disorderly when the group stood in the front of the line to march ahead of police supporters on their way up Broad Street to City Hall and the Municipal Building.

One police supporter snatched a sign from the protestor and another brought dogs in the crowd.

Eventually, the protestors were diverted by police as the march moved forward.

“It's a lot of nonsense. Some people don't know what to say to each other. I think it makes it a little worse," said Keyina Hames. She stood by and watched, disgusted in the clash between both sides.

"I feel like all lives matter at the end of the day. It's no specific color, no matter what your job is, everybody does something wrong here and there in life. So all lives matter," she said.